Protester who spent almost fortnight on Newcastle's Tyne Bridge has trial date set

Danielle Whitfield

A Real Fathers for Justice campaigner who spent almost 12 days on the very top of Newcastle's Tyne Bridge has appeared at crown court.

Simon Anderton, 57, is facing a charge of public nuisance, after he scaled the landmark on Father's Day last year in a protest to raise awareness about what his group claim is unfairness towards dads in the courts.

Anderton, of Meldon Terrace, Heaton, Newcastle, is set to plead not guilty to the charge relating to his time on the bridge from June 21 to July 2.

The campaigner's protest, which saw him erect a purple banner reading "Happy Fatherless Day" on the bridge, was brought to an end by a violent thunderstorm, which lashed the city's Quayside.

Anderton, who has been granted unconditional bail, did not speak during the short hearing, and appeared in the dock wearing a black raincoat and jeans.

He attended court with three men, who sat in the public gallery.

Adjourning proceedings Judge Edward Bindloss set a trial date for the week commencing November 14 and told Newcastle Crown Court: "It will be a three day trial."

Magistrates had previously agreed the matter was suitable for a trial at Newcastle Magistrates' Court but Anderton instead elected for his case to be transferred to the crown court.